Dear members of the Lasell community,

Health is so much more than just physical well-being or the absence of illness. We often forget that emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being are just as significant — and often tied to — our physical state. Being cognizant of this mind-body connection is more important now than ever before.

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen our community grow more resilient. Yet, we remind our students every day: It is OK to struggle. COVID-19 is a constant source of anxiety and disruption, and it is important to validate the presence of added stress in your life, even when you are finding ways to cope.

It is not easy to persevere and excel in the face of such extreme challenges. Everyone has been forced to grow, whether by seeking regular therapy sessions, adapting to online and hybrid learning formats, or offering and attending telehealth appointments. In some ways, the pandemic has accelerated our use of technology and new practices as healthcare providers; in others, it has highlighted gaps that we now seek to address.

There are several ways that our alumni, parents, and friends can support health initiatives at Lasell:

• Encourage students to connect with our offices should they need help. There is no problem too small or too big; any reason is a good one to reach out to us!
• Share with us any connections to mental health providers accepting new patients.
• Make a gift to the Student Emergency Fund to support students who cannot afford the specialized off-campus care they need.

In this issue of Leaves, our cover story focuses on the strides that have been made in mental health awareness and care, and highlights some of the obstacles still in our way. We hope you come away feeling inspired, educated, and motivated to take care of yourself and others.

We are proud of the camaraderie and compassion that the Lasell community has shown throughout the last two years. Thank you for being part of those efforts. 

Sharon Harrington-Hope, LMHC
Director, Counseling Center

Richard Arnold, MSN, FNP-BC
Director, Health Services